Elche is ready to show the world the dazzling talent rooted in Barcelona’s youth system, often described as the magician of the culé hearth. Although a spot on Xavi’s first team didn’t materialize as hoped, the player sees Elche as the perfect place to grow and to someday step forward toward Camp Nou again in the future.
Álex Collado chose Elche because, as he explained at his official presentation, a player’s goal is to feel valued and loved. That is exactly what he found in Elche, a warmth reinforced by the leadership and by teammates like Christian Bragnik and the support network around the club, which convinced him to be part of the project.
The new franciverde midfielder has shifted the image of a Barcelona youth product toward a club that has pursued its objectives with grit and sacrifice. He underscored his familiarity with Elche, noting that the early days have confirmed what he sensed from afar. He felt welcomed by the people at the club and by the environment surrounding the team. His background includes a stint with Granada, a period marked by hard work and maturation, and he believes the coming season will be positive for both him and the squad.
Collado believes Elche will benefit from a fresh start and the motivation that comes from leaving Barcelona in pursuit of meaningful playing time. He described the move as timely, especially because it coincides with the club’s centennial. He also highlighted the support of Elche’s fans as a decisive factor in his decision. He looks forward to a meaningful start against Almería and hopes to bring joy to the club’s supporters from day one.
The Catalan player now has the chance to begin the season anew. He endured a difficult start last season as a departure from Barcelona did not materialize in time, necessitating a winter loan to Granada. He stated that starting over is a welcome prospect and that Elche is the right place to prove his worth, with a strong belief that the club can achieve more than permanence.
Return to Camp Nou
Collado joined Elche without a buyout option attached. His goal remains to return to Barcelona and succeed there someday, but his current focus is fully on the Franjiverde team. He confirmed his contract with Barcelona extends to 2024, with a recent extension for another year, yet emphasized that his immediate aim is to help Elche and see what the future holds after the season ends.
Since arriving, the midfielder has praised the squad and the atmosphere around the club. He noted a strong group ready to compete for a successful campaign and the shared objective of securing safety in La Liga, after which regional and long-term goals can be defined.
The Catalan player has already absorbed clear instructions from Francisco about his best position. Although he was initially told to operate from the far right, he adapts to any role, preferring proximity to the attacking area, shooting opportunities, and making decisive passes.
Collado remains optimistic about Elche’s potential to push beyond mere relegation avoidance. He recalls Granada’s relegation last season despite European ambitions and acknowledges the league’s high competitiveness. He stresses that this Elche squad is strong and united, with everyone aligned toward a shared path and ready to endure tough moments together.
Jeison Murillo is cited as a central option
Colombian defender Jeison Murillo is among the names discussed as Elche considers strengthening central defense. The 30-year-old, with experience at Sampdoria and a history in Spain with Cadiz, Las Palmas, Granada, Valencia, and Barcelona, is seen as a seasoned veteran. His acquisition would represent a careful balance of high-profile demand and the need for solidity at the heart of defense. The pursuit involves careful assessment and transfer considerations as Elche evaluates the best path to reinforce the squad while staying mindful of budget and integration.